KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 14
Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud held a bilateral meeting with Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) of New Zealand at Wellington today.
During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of bilateral relations between Nepal and New Zealand and exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in the areas of mutual interests, according to the press release issued by the Embassy of Nepal in Australia on Wednesday.
Minister Saud also attended the luncheon hosted by the DPM and Foreign Minister of New Zealand.
In the afternoon, Saud visited the Parliament of New Zealand and observed the Question Time at the Parliament. His presence in the Parliament was acknowledged by Gerry Brownlee, the speaker of the House of Representatives of the New Zealand.
In a separate interaction organized by the Nepali Society in Wellington together with the Honorary Consul of Nepal, discussions centered on streamlining passport and consular services for the Nepali community in New Zealand, leveraging their expertise for the benefit of Nepal, the statement added.
Foreign Minister Saud also visited Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum of New Zealand and observed the vast repository of cultural attractions.
Earlier in the morning, the Second edition of Nepal-New Zealand Foreign Ministry Consultation (FMC) was held between the senior officials of both the Ministries. Rita Dhital, Joint Secretary, South East Asia and the Pacific (SEAP) Division and Joanna Kempkers, Divisional Manager South Asia and SouthEast Asia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand led their respective delegations.
During the meeting, the two sides took stock of various aspects of bilateral relations and exchanged views on further promoting cooperation through enhancing economic and cultural engagements between the two countries.
Minister Saud had arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, the previous day, where he was warmly welcomed at the airport by officials of MFAT of New Zealand, Honorary Consul of Nepal to New Zealand Mr. Dinesh Khadka, and representatives of the Nepali community.
As the delegation concludes its successful visit to Australia and New Zealand, Minister Saud and his team are set to return to Kathmandu on February 15.
